Thesaurus

rank

Q: How is the word 'rank' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of rank are fetid , fusty , malodorous , musty , noisome , putrid , and stinking . While all these words mean "bad-smelling," rank suggests a strong unpleasant smell. // rank cigar smoke

Q: How do 'fusty' and 'musty' relate to one another, in the sense of 'rank'?

Both fusty and musty suggest lack of fresh air and sunlight, fusty also implying prolonged uncleanliness, musty stressing the effects of dampness, mildew, or age. // a fusty attic // the musty odor of a damp cellar

Q: When is 'malodorous' a more appropriate choice than 'rank'?

The synonyms malodorous and rank are sometimes interchangeable, but malodorous may range from the unpleasant to the strongly offensive. // malodorous fertilizers

Q: In what contexts can 'noisome' take the place of 'rank'?

While the synonyms noisome and rank are close in meaning, noisome adds a suggestion of being harmful or unwholesome as well as offensive. // a stagnant, noisome sewer

Q: When might 'putrid' be a better fit than 'rank'?

Although the words putrid and rank have much in common, putrid implies particularly the sickening odor of decaying organic matter. // the putrid smell of rotting fish

Q: How are the words 'stinking' and 'fetid' related as synonyms of 'rank'?

Both stinking and fetid suggest the foul or disgusting. // prisoners were held in stinking cells // the fetid odor of skunk cabbage

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of rank

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 to take or have a certain position within a group arranged in vertical classes

my favorite pitcher ranks first in the league for number of consecutive outs

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Words Related to rank

seed

count

2 to arrange or assign according to type

most critics would rank him among our best actors

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subcategorize

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rank

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of rank (Entry 2 of 3)

1 the placement of someone or something in relation to others in a vertical arrangement

attained the highest rank in the Freemasons

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rating

2 high position within society

remembered as a woman of rank who socialized only with other members of the elite

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preferment

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3 a series of people or things arranged side by side

rank upon rank of cavalry came thundering down the hill

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bank,
row

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echelon,
tier

4 usually ranks plural one of the units into which a whole is divided on the basis of a common characteristic

this book will someday join the ranks of the world's great novels

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breed,
race

generation

rank

adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms of rank (Entry 3 of 3)

1 growing thickly and vigorously

covered with trumpet vines so rank you couldn't see the trellis beneath them

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dormant

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sparse

2 having an unpleasant smell

smokes rank cigars that usually send me running for fresh air

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3 very noticeable especially for being incorrect or bad

the article about fairy tales was full of rank errors, such as a reference to "Cinderella biting into the poisoned apple"

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4 having no exceptions or restrictions

a sidewalk sale of art works by rank amateurs

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Frequently Asked Questions About rank

How is the word rank distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of rank are fetid, fusty, malodorous, musty, noisome, putrid, and stinking. While all these words mean "bad-smelling," rank suggests a strong unpleasant smell.

rank cigar smoke

How do fusty and musty relate to one another, in the sense of rank?

Both fusty and musty suggest lack of fresh air and sunlight, fusty also implying prolonged uncleanliness, musty stressing the effects of dampness, mildew, or age.

a fusty attic

the musty odor of a damp cellar